EQAR calls for circular economy in construction
European Quality Association for Recycling seeking harmonized recycled product status across Europe
IN 2006, recycling companies and associations from various EU member states founded the European Quality Association for Recycling (EQAR) as an umbrella organization for construction material recycling. The Association represents the interests of the recycling sector and supports the establishment of a circular economy in construction in Europe.
In view of the fact that more than one billion tonnes of mineral-based construction and demolition waste is produced each year, EQAR believes a circular economy in construction is of critical importance for a resource-efficient Europe.
However, resource conservation by ‘urban mining’ has, to date, been implemented to differing degrees by the various EU member states, which is why EQAR is supporting the improvement and unification of the framework conditions for construction material recycling in Europe.
EQAR believes that by creating a single European market for recycled construction materials, utilization rates could be markedly increased. It says regional demand for recycled construction materials is frequently subject to fluctuations which could be compensated for by exchanging recycled products across Europe’s internal borders.
EQAR is, therefore, calling for standardization of environmental compatibility classes for aggregates, to bring about a harmonized product status for recycled construction materials on a European level.
To help increase acceptance of recycled construction materials, in 2013 EQAR adopted a European quality assurance system for recycled construction materials, which aims to ensure uniformity of quality through independent external monitoring of recycled products.
At its forthcoming jubilee congress, EQAR invites the construction materials recycling sector to enter into discussions with representatives of the EU Parliament, science and the economy on the circular economy in construction, improvements in the framework conditions for and the removal of obstacles to recycling, and innovations in construction material recycling.
The public congress event, which will take place at the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel in Bratislava from 22–24 September 2016, will also see the presentation of EQAR’s Construction Material Recycling Awards 2016.
Individuals, companies or institutions who are contributing to increasing the acceptance, quality and profitability of recycled construction materials in Europe are invited to enter the following award categories: innovative developments in processing technology; research and development work; and the engagement of politics and associations. Applicants are requested to submit their entry to: [email protected] before 31 May 2016.
